Palm Bay City Council Tackles Water and Wastewater Infrastructure, Approves Contracts
$770 Million Investment in Palm Bay's Future Water and Wastewater Systems
Palm Bay, FL -- The Palm Bay City Council convened for its regular meeting on October 3, 2024. The agenda included a presentation on the city's water and wastewater infrastructure, approvals for various contracts, and discussions on community concerns.
Council Makes Several Proclamations
Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month
Hispanic Heritage Month and Puerto Rican Day
Manufacturing Day
White Cane Awareness Day
Water and Wastewater Master Plans
The council heard a presentation by Clayton McCormick, a consultant with Infrastructure Solution Services, on the Water and Wastewater Master Plans. These plans outline the city's infrastructure needs for the next 20 years and identify necessary capital improvement projects.
McCormick emphasized that the plans are "living documents" that can be modified as needed to adapt to changing circumstances, such as new regulations or growth patterns. He also highlighted the importance of the plans in securing funding for these critical projects.
The plans identify a total of $770 million in capital improvement projects over the next 20 years. The Wastewater Master Plan includes $375 million in projects, such as upgrades to wastewater treatment plants, lift stations, and force mains. The Water Master Plan includes $395 million in projects, such as new wells, water treatment plants, storage tanks, and distribution mains.
During public comment, Bill Batten raised concerns about the lack of a plan to connect existing "scatter lots" to city water and wastewater services. He urged the council to consider these connections, especially when new infrastructure is being installed near these properties.
In response, City Manager Suzanne Sherman assured the council that the city is pursuing funding to expand wastewater services to some of these scatter lot’s, particularly in areas close to runoff areas.
The council voted unanimously to approve the Water and Wastewater Master Plans.
Consent Agenda
The council approved several items on the consent agenda, including contracts for software maintenance and support ($258,192) and prefabricated concrete buildings ($190,968). The total amount of funding allocated in the consent agenda is $2.7 million.
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